School threat prompts two-hour delay

Amanda Hayes

For The Inter-Mountain

BUCKHANNON — Upshur County Schools were in session Monday on a two-hour delay after an investigation into a social media threat determined the threat was not directed locally.

School officials were notified at approximately 5 a.m. of a social media post of a possible threat to the safety of BU Schools and Bridgeport, according to a joint press release from the school system and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department.

After collaboration among Upshur County Schools, Upshur County Sheriff’s Department, Bridgeport Texas Police Department, Fusion Center and Homeland Security, it was decided to call a two-hour delay to allow time for further investigation and to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, according to the release.

Based on the IP address being tracked to Bridgeport, Texas rather than Bridgeport, West Virginia and BU Schools by the Fusion Center, law enforcement determined the threat was not directed to Upshur County Schools. Therefore, the team determined that it was safe to resume school.

Dr. Sara Lewis-Stankus, superintendent of Upshur County Schools, said, “Our first priority is to keep our students and staff safe, providing a safe learning and working environment for them. All threats are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated, always erring on the side of safety. We are pleased with the quick response and collaboration among all of the agencies involved.”

Anyone with further information helpful to the investigation of the threat is encouraged to contact the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department at 304-472-1185.